"Philosophy's the 'love of wisdom', can be approached in two ways: by doing it, or by studying how it has been done," so writes the eminent philosopher Roger Scruton. In this user-friendly book, he chooses to introduce philosophy by doing it. Taking the discipline beyond theory and "intellectualism," he presents it in an empirical, accessible, and practical light. The result is not a history of the field but a vivid, energetic, and personal account to guide the reader making his or her own venture into philosophy. Addressing a range of subjects from freedom, God, reality, and morality, to sex, music, and history, Scruton argues philosophy's relevance not just to intellectual questions, but to contemporary life.

A controversial study that argues for the value of atheism in modern society. The debate about atheism has staled since the time of Bertrand Russell. In this work, Daniel Harbour returns to its core issues - the existence of God, the values of faith, the role of religion in society - and casts them in an entirely new light. The real question, he argues, is how we should consider our urge to understand the world. Only then can we ask ourselves whether atheism or theism forms part of a coherent worldview. This new debate between atheism and theism forces us into an investigation of philosophy, science, history, ethics and aesthetics, and a desire for intellectual integrity and commitment to truth. It is far removed from the usual listing of the errors of theism. Not can atheism be equated with denialism. It holds real and practical implications for the place of religion and the obligations of atheists in our society.

The Republic of Ireland, described variously as The Emerald Tiger, The Celtic Tiger and The Tiger Economy of Europe, is apparently one of the great success stories of 20th-century Europe. Just 75 years into independence, less than 40 years from the stygian blackness of pre-modernity, and only a decade from what seemed to be an economic apocalypse, Ireland has finally modernized. With a young population and economic growth rates the envy of the western world, it should offer a model for all fledgling states to follow.

Tony Little is The Head Master of Eton. One of the most progressive and imaginative people in British education today he has hitherto kept a low profile. This book, published to coincide with his retirement, sets out his educational fundamentals. There is a crisis in the British education system. Year on year GCSE and A Level pupils post better exam results, with more students achieving top grades. Yet business leaders and employers complain bitterly that our schools are not producing people fit for purpose. Far from being locked in an ivory tower, a bastion of privilege, Mr Little has used his time as a teacher and headmaster to get to grips with fundamental questions concerning education. He wants to produce people fit to work in the modern world. How do children absorb information? What kind of people does society need? What is education for? Not only is the author one of the great reforming headmasters of our time but he has planted Academies in the East end of London, founded a state boarding school near Windsor and yet is a passionate advocate of single sex schools. This book is not a text book for colleges of education - it is a book to enlighten the teaching profession and just as much for anxious parents. The book is simply arranged under topics such as authority, expectations, progress, self-confidence, sex, crises and creativity. Tony Little thinks it is time to ask some fundamental questions, and to make brave decisions about how we make our schools and our schoolchildren fit for purpose.

Though we think we know what it is, the definition of fascism is remarkably elusive. In general consciousness it has become a collective term of abuse, while, in reaction, scholars have over-defined it out of existence. In this book, Richard Griffiths undertakes to resolve the issue, placing fascism in its tortuous historical context.

Exploring the nature of historical evidence, meaning and imagination, Professor Vincent gets to the very heart of the complex issues raised, writing with trademark wit and lucidity to provide a compelling and controversial guide. Penetrating, incisive and always provocative, John Vincent's comprehensive examination of the evolution of history as a discipline and its underlying philosophy, is essential reading for anyone interested in the history they were never taught in the classroom.

Two of the features of guilt that makes it so mysterious are, according to the author, its degreelessness and intensity. A person is either guilt-ridden or not, and in this study guilt is studied from both a modern and an ancient perspective